Monday, June 25, 2012

New Proposed Food Truck Ordinances Ignore South Side

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Haute Sausage's truck working overtime during lunch. (Photo: Haute Sausage)

The city's department of Business and Consumer Protection hosted a meeting Monday with food truck operators to preview two versions of ordinances that will allow them to finally cook on the vehicles.

According to an article by Crain's Chicago, in one version "they'll face major parking restrictions, limitations on the number of trucks, steeper licensing fees and hefty fines for breaking the rules."

Included in the eight new rules proposed were three mobile food truck loading zones: The first: Addison Street to Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street to Western Avenue. The second will extend from Lake Michigan to Ashland Avenue to Diversey Avenue to Irving Park Rd. The third: Lake Michigan to Des Plaines Street and North Avenue to Jackson Boulevard.

Former San Fran Chef New Rising Star at The Bristol

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The Bristol's newly crowned chef de cuisine Tony Quartaro. (Photo: Twitter)

Since rock star chef Chris Pandel has been so busy working his magic over at Italian hot spot Balena, it made perfect sense to get a replacement at The Bristol.

That replacement comes in the form of Tony Quartaro, a young chef who left his post two months ago at New York's Fedora to work alongside the award-winning culinary artist. Previously, he worked at New York's Pulino's as well as San Francisco's Nopa and A16.

Get Ready For Firefighter Friday!

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(Photo: Sauza Tequila)

Clear your calendar on June 29 because on this day only you'll get to meet the Sauza Tequila firefighters.

That's because Sauza's "Regional Rescue Tour" makes a stop in our fair city at River North hot spots Public House and Cantina Laredo.

Now, for some of y'all, hanging out with these certified hotties is enough, but there is more:

It's a Wrap for Sarah's Pastries & Candies

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Pastry Chef Sarah Levy (Photo via Heebmagazine.com)

Here is some very sad and shocking news I just received in my inbox:

"Thank you to all of our loyal customers, it has been a great seven years. We are so honored to have been a part of so many of your celebrations - from making your birthday and weddings cakes to sending out your holiday gift baskets and pouring your morning coffee. We feel fortunate to have been a part of your lives.

What's Hotter Than July?!

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Sepia celebrates five years in July with complimentary cocktails when diners purchase an entree such as the signature flat-iron steak with Bearnaise. (Photo: Sepia)

June is pretty much over, so let's take a look to see what July has to offer:

• You can finally check out your fave celeb chefs on the cheap at City Porch. Each month, a different high-profile toque headlines the menu at the brand-new Navy Pier pop-up concept. In July, look for Italian eats from Tony Mantuano (Bar Toma, Spiaggia).

• All day-dining spot Hash House A Go Go is set to open by the end of July. The concept is "twisted farm food" with dishes like Andy's Sage Fried Chicken Benedict and HH Famous Roasted Chicken Pot Pie. The address, at 1212 N. State Pkwy., has been sort of a deadweight in the area, so here's hoping they have more success.